Planned learning intentions
To look closely at, and find out about, features of living things and events they observe in the outdoors
To begin to record some observations by making representational marks and drawings on paper
Resources
Story and information books about the outdoors (minibeasts, trees, seasons, birds) 3photographs, poems and posters (laminated) 3Perspex photograph stands 3two plastic 'carry boxes' containing clip boards, paper, pens, pencils, crayons, magnifying glasses, binoculars, 'bug boxes', collection tubs and display trays
Step by step
* Gather the resources and organise them into an easily portable container such as a large plastic storage box. Store this in an accessible place so the display can easily be constructed daily.
* Attach picture and word labels to the boxes so children know the contents.
* Position large log slices, or provide low tables, as surfaces for displaying books.
* Display posters on a vertical outdoor surface or a portable, freestanding display board.
Activities
* Spend time exploring the display with children. Model the use of equipment like magnifiers and binoculars and skills such as observational drawing.
* Explain to the children that the display will be available on a daily basis and will be a base from which they can independently access equipment. Also explain the importance of returning resources to the display after use.
* Invite children to engage in, for example, minibeast searches or leaf collections, using the magnifiers and referring to appropriate information books. Encourage them to talk about, and record, their observations.
* Encourage children to be involved in the daily setting up of the display.
Extension activities
* Provide an outdoor notice board on which children can display their own drawings of their 'discoveries'.
* Include a camera on the display and encourage children to record observations photographically, perhaps over a period of time (for example, a tree throughout the seasons).
